Founded in 1982, this vibrant museum – the largest Latino arts institution in the USA – has become one of the city’s best. The vivid permanent collection sums up 1000 years of Mexican art and culture through classical paintings, shining gold altars, skeleton-rich folk art, beadwork and much more. Don't miss the psychedelic 'semen-acrylic' painting (that's, um, bodily fluids mixed with pigments).
The turbulent politics and revolutionary leaders of Mexican history are well represented, including works about Cesar Chavez and Emiliano Zapata. The museum also sponsors readings by top authors and performances by musicians and artists. If you are in town during the fall, be sure to check out the exhibits and celebrations relating to November 1, the Day of the Dead, a traditional Mexican holiday that combines the festive with the religious. The events take place for a month on either side of the day. The on-site store is a winner, with brightly painted Mexican crafts filling the shelves.
